Single-payer system best answer
Why do some people continue to attack the Affordable Care Act for insurance costs going up when “for profit” health insurance companies have their profits and their shareholders as their main concerns? Reportedly, a large “for profit” health insurance company will raise premiums by 42 percent in 2018. Is their main concern the people paying premiums? Is there any real concern for your health? Who could answer “yes”?
Why shouldn’t all people have health insurance? No matter the age, accidents happen. But a hospital cannot deny care for an uninsured 22-year-old who comes to the emergency room badly injured in a car crash. Who pays for that care? If you answered “we do,” you’re right.
So, why not consider a single-payer system? Sen. Bernie Sanders has offered a plan. Let’s eliminate the “for-profit” health insurance companies. Think about it: what do they actually do for you? Public Citizen has estimated that by eliminating the “for-profit” health insurance industry we could save $500 billion a year in costs and profits.
In a single-payer system, we would all share the risks and the payment of a “premium” would be based on income. Everyone would have health care. Everyone would pay something. We would all be equal. Isn’t this the American way?
Barbara Temple
Beaufort
How to submit a letter
Send letters to the editor by email to letters@islandpacket.com or letters@beaufortgazette.com.
Or you may submit a letter online.
Letters to the editor must be 250 words or fewer and include your first and last names, street address and daytime telephone number so we can verify the letter before publication.
You are limited to one letter per 30 days.
Letters may be edited for length, style, grammar, taste and libel. All letters submitted become the property of The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette.
Letters will be accepted only if they are typed into the body of an email, not sent as an email attachment.
This story was originally published December 23, 2017 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Single-payer system best answer."